Hotline 'shows airport bullying'

An anti-bullying hotline has revealed a culture of bullying and abuse against Heathrow and Gatwick airport workers, a union has said.

More than 150 workers called the number over a two-week period in July to complain about problems.

Amicus said most of the callers were people from ethnic minorities and many of the complaints alleged racist behaviour.

The hotline was open to cabin crew and ground staff at the two airports.

One young woman said she was locked in a cold store for 15 minutes to "teach her a lesson" after complaining that a colleague had touched her inappropriately.

One caller said he was told by a colleague: "Don't they teach you to read and write in the jungle?"

Amicus national officer Gordon White said: "Bullying is a disaster for morale, attendance and productivity. We are calling upon employers to get their houses in order for the sake of their staff and their business.

"We will be writing to employers and we expect them to work with the union to boot the bullies out of airports."